You can start the STI testing process online with Sesame. A provider can discuss your symptoms or possible exposure and, when appropriate, order testing at a local lab. Depending on the test, you may need to provide a urine sample, blood sample, or swab.

If testing is ordered, your provider will let you know how to access your results and whether you need follow-up care. A separate visit will be needed to review results and discuss treatment.

At-home testing may also be an option for some STIs. Learn more about how at-home tests work.

STI stands for sexually transmitted infection, while STD stands for sexually transmitted disease.

People often use the terms interchangeably, but technically, an STI refers to the infection itself.

An STD develops when that infection causes signs, symptoms, or other health effects.

Because an STI can be present without causing noticeable disease, many healthcare and public health sources prefer “STI” as the broader term.

Treatment depends on the type of infection.

Bacterial STIs such as chlamydia, syphilis, and gonorrhea are treated with antibiotics.

Parasitic STIs such as trichomoniasis are treated with antiparasitic medication.

Viral STIs require different approaches.

For example, antiviral medications can help manage genital herpes, although they do not cure the infection. HIV is similarly managed with long-term medication, but there is currently no cure. HPV is different: there is no treatment for the virus itself, but treatments are available for health problems caused by HPV, such as genital warts or precancerous changes.

Ways to reduce your risk include using condoms, getting recommended vaccines, and getting tested based on your individual risk.

Depending on your circumstances, a healthcare provider may also recommend preventive medication, such as PrEP to help prevent HIV or doxy PEP, which uses doxycycline to reduce the risk of certain bacterial STIs after sexual exposure.

Common STIs include viral infections, such as HPV and genital herpes; bacterial infections, such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis; and parasitic infections, such as trichomoniasis.

HPV is the most common STI overall in the United States, while chlamydia is the most frequently reported bacterial STI. Many STIs cause mild or no symptoms, so talk with a healthcare provider about when STI testing is appropriate.